Fix-it: iTunes 7.3.1.3 install Error 2908 on Windows

Well, I’m back from a vacation in Mexico and have been catching up on things. Playing with my new 4 Gig iPhone and getting things working has taken a little bit of time. In the process of doing that, I saw that there was an update to iTunes for PC (I’m on Vista Ultimate) for version 7.3.1.3 and I ran into some pretty big errors during the upgrade process. However, I did find a solution which is documented below (found by yours truly…it might not work for you but it did for me).

First, here is what FAILED: I tried the stand alone installer, downloaded directly from Apple. That process gave me the Error 2908 on install. So, I tried running the installer as the Administrator (right-click and select “Run as Administrator”). Unfortunately, that did not work either (same error produced). Then I tried using the Apple Update utility and it showed that I needed to update iTunes + QuickTime as well as just QuickTime. That installation process crapped out as well with the same error. So then I re-downloaded everything and rebooted and tried it again and I still got the Error 2908. I noticed that the process that it looked like it was hanging at was at the Apple Mobile Device area. So I thought that I was on to something.

Here is how I FIXED it: (again, this worked for me so it might or might not work for you). Below are the steps that I took:

  1. I made sure I had a clean full download of iTunes 7.3.1.3.
  2. I rebooted my machine.
  3. I went into the Services control panel. On Vista, the path is Start > Administrative Tools > Services (which is the same on XP).
  4. In the Services panel, I STOPPED the following services:
    • Apple Mobile Device
    • iPod Service
  5. With those services stopped, I then ran the downloaded installer without any issues and iTunes was successfully upgraded.

So, this worked on Vista. Note: I did not have any issues using the Apple Update utility on my XP box and did not have any issues with the installation/upgrade. Also, after reviewing my Event Log, I did see an error (MsiInstaller Event ID: 10005 that confirmed my suspicions that the Apple Mobile Device Support was the one causing the problems. The text in the error was as follows:

Product: Apple Mobile Device Support — The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package. The error code is 2908. The arguments are: {6966E5FD-3306-8E06-C01F-C8B3B9A1E18E}, ,

Put a comment in below if this works for you!

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

4 Responses

  1. i need help….i'm trying to install itunes any version i download of itunes gives me the 2908 error. i tried what you posted on here and it didn't work. I run windows vista premium service pack 1 and i have no idea what to do. please help

  2. i need help….i'm trying to install itunes any version i download of itunes gives me the 2908 error. i tried what you posted on here and it didn't work. I run windows vista premium service pack 1 and i have no idea what to do. please help

  3. @ phillipAre you running as an administrator on that box? I would try fully uninstalling iTunes (there are some good freeware uninstallers out there. Try: http://www.revouninstaller.com/ to fully uninstall all of the extra garbage).Then try the steps again (after reboot) that I listed above.LMK if it works.-HTD

  4. @ phillip
    Are you running as an administrator on that box? I would try fully uninstalling iTunes (there are some good freeware uninstallers out there. Try: http://www.revouninstaller.com/ to fully uninstall all of the extra garbage).
    Then try the steps again (after reboot) that I listed above.
    LMK if it works.
    -HTD

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Other articles of interest

Global Product Review Disclosure

Disclosure: This is a global disclosure for product review articles on HighTechDad. It does not apply to Automobile reviews and there are other exceptions. Therefore, it may or may not be applicable to this particular article. I may have a material connection because I may have received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this or other content. I was/am not expected to return the item after my review period. All opinions within this and other articles are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page.

About HighTechDad

Michael Sheehan (“HighTechDad”) is an avid technologist, writer, journalist, content marketer, blogger, tech influencer, social media pundit, loving husband and father of 3 beautiful girls living in the San Francisco Bay Area. This site covers technology, consumer electronics, Parent Tech, SmartHomes, cloud computing, gadgets, software, hardware, parenting “hacks,” and other tips & tricks.

Recent Articles

Explore Categories

– Advertisement –

Shop Now!

My Favorite Setapp Apps

Affiliates

  • Shop Incase Now!
  • Save 15% Off at Incase

– Advertisement –

Intellifluence Trusted Blogger
Shop HighTechDad-reviewed products
– Advertisement –